Page 101 of Shattered By the Currents

Her eyes popped open. Both phones ringing at the same time? That couldn’t be a coincidence.

She reached for her cell at the same time Connor rolled and grabbed his own phone.

She glanced at the screen before answering. “Dad? What’s wrong?”

“Your mother’s missing.”

“What?” She shot out of bed and raced to the dresser. “What do you mean, missing?”

“A group of us went on a sunrise walk. Someone didn’t latch the gate properly. We think she woke up alone and confused and found her way out.”

How did that happen? Weren’t there guards on the actual building? Nurses? Caregivers?Someone?

She shook her head. She’d figure all that out later. “I’m coming now, Dad. And so is Connor. We’ll find her.”

She hung up and pulled on jeans as Connor ended his call and rushed to grab shorts and a shirt. “Who was that?”

“Zac. He had to choose between staying with your mom and going with your dad this morning. He went with the higher risk of your dad in the forest.”

Of course, because her mother should have been safe at Deep River Residence. Why hadn’t she been safe?

The second they were dressed, they rushed out of the house and into Connor’s truck. He reached the residence in less than five minutes.

Inside, people were already up and moving, the smell of toast and coffee lingering in the air.

Briar was in the lobby, her hand on Raven’s father’s back. “Oh, thank God you’re here. We’ve checked the camera footage and saw her leave. She’s on foot, so she couldn’t have gone far.”

Raven wrapped her dad in a big hug. As she pulled back, Connor’s phone rang.

Please be Zac saying he’s found her.

Connor nodded. “Got it. Coming now.” He hung up and looked at her, then her father. “Zac hasn’t found her yet. I’m going to help him. He’s got the rest of the guys patrolling nearby streets.”

Her heart dropped.

“Please bring her back to us,” her father said, his voice almost tormented.

Connor dipped his head. “Yes, sir.”

He left, and Raven turned to her dad. “He’s going to find her.”

He shook his head. “I shouldn’t have left. I should have stayed with her. I thought?—”

“This isnotyour fault,” Briar pushed. “Mistakes were made by a lot of people here. The doors that were supposed to be locked weren’t. The gate wasn’t locked either. I’m so sorry.”

“How did that happen?” Raven asked, furious.

Briar cringed. “Harry, a new employee who did a perimeter check this morning, didn’t lock the door after himself, and the gate didn’t latch behind him. I’m so sorry.”

She didn’t want the woman to be sorry. She just wanted her mother safe.

Her father’s chest started to heave. “I should be out there helping. I should?—”

“Dad.” She touched his hand. “You’re exactly where you need to be. Connor and Zac are professionals. They’ll find her.”

His exhale was slow, his eyes unfocused.

“Why don’t we sit down?” Briar said quietly.